The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded that the recently passed Tax Reform Acts be immediately suspended due to controversies that it claims seriously undermine the legitimacy of Nigeria’s legal system.
The group warned that the developments hit at the core of the nation’s constitutional government and stated that the circumstances surrounding the legislation’ passing have generated serious doubts about the integrity, transparency, and credibility of the legislative process.
The NBA emphasized in a statement issued by its president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, on Tuesday that the problems with the Tax Reform Acts raised concerns about whether established legislative norms and due process were rigorously adhered to in a democratic society.
The NBA called for a thorough, transparent, and open investigation to be conducted in order to shed light on the circumstances behind the enactment of the laws and to rebuild public trust in the National Assembly.
He stated, “All plans for the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be immediately suspended until these issues are fully examined and resolved.”
The NBA claims that the controversy’s legal and policy ambiguity poses major threats to economic stability.
They added that the lack of clarity might cause uncertainty for individuals, companies, and institutions that are expected to comply with the new tax regime, as well as disrupt the business environment and undermine investor confidence.
The group cautioned that such a level of uncertainty is incompatible with the rule of law and might have serious economic repercussions if ignored.
The NBA emphasized that transparent, accountable, and impenetrable systems must produce laws with significant economic and social ramifications.
According to the statement, “anything less than this erodes public trust and weakens the foundation upon which lawful governance rests.”
In order to resolve the dispute in the best interests of constitutional order, economic stability, and the upholding of the rule of law, the NBA urged all pertinent authorities to take prompt, responsible action.
